French language Q&A Forum

Hi,

I am under the impression that when conjugating a verb in the passé composé, the past participle will agree in the following instances:

When using avoir with a preceding direct object and using être and s'être. However, I have recently seen instances of conjugations of être/s'être not having any agreement.

Could anyone please tell me why this is? 

For example, why is the following sentence correct?

Les conférenciers s'étaient juré de nous renseigner sur l'histoire. 

Le genre s'était enrichi grâce à Ray Bradbury et à plusieurs auteurs qui se sont succédé tels que Stephen King et J.G Ballard. 

I would appreciate any responses,

Thanks!

Rebecca :) 

It breaks my heart that due to the Trump-effect, aka his divisive rhetoric, what it means "to be an American" is not a settled debate; and it's something spreading around the world. I suppose there will always be a portion of any populous that views "patrioism" through a more "nationalistic" lenses.

Which form is correct 

A) " Il prend jamais le train" 

or B) " Il ne prend jamais le train."? 

Hi. I am trying to figure out why this uses the passe compose if followed by 'que'.  

Les fleurs que j'ai senties étaient belles.
Would you not be able to use "que j'aie senties" instead of "que j'ai senties", because I remember seeing that when there is "que" we use subjonctif. I do notice this seems to be past tense which is why I ask if the Subjonctif Passe can be used. I am unsure if I have worded my question well, in that you may understand. I appreciate any help provided.

Pouvez-vous me donner les recettes svp?

Le professeur dit de ne pas courir.

Can "ne pas courir" be used as the negative imperative "Don't run !"